Atlanta Braves update: Jurrjens, Prado, Jones

The Braves would like to have another Jones in the lineup. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The Atlanta Braves have been relatively quiet on the hot-stove front this year, with occasional rumors here and there on Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado.

For all fans who were adamantly against trading either one, you just might get your wish. Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports Frank Wren said he feels both will be with the Braves at spring training. Rightfully so, he doesn’t want to say he doesn’t think they won’t be there. But, of course, he could have said nothing, too. You can dive into what he said all you want, I still think both will be traded at some point. Once the Braves set their sights on trading someone, eventually they will be. It’s just a matter of time.

Wren knows that Prado and Jurrjens are probably already a little upset by all the rumors. But to be fair, Wren has kept a solid stance all along saying “we’re not looking to trade them, teams are just showing interest in them.” Well, if that was all true Wren, then wouldn’t we be hearing more rumors on Tommy Hanson, Jason Heyward and Michael Bourn? I’m sure teams would be interested in them, too.

Apparently, the lopsided deal in the works with the Orioles for Adam Jones was just an offer from the Orioles, not the Braves. The Braves haven’t closed the door on Seth Smith, but they are waiting for Jones’ price to come down. It would make plenty of sense for the Braves to go into spring training with both. The Braves are trying to trade Jurrjens and Prado as if they are coming off great years. The reality is they are not. Both are at a low point right now. Jurrjens blew up in the second half and had tons of injuries … again. It’s a double smack in the face. Not only did he struggle, he was also hurt. How can you trade a top prospect for that kind of uncertainty? Prado had a down year, as well, and was hit with some nagging injuries, but none that serious. To his credit, he was also adjusting to a new position.

I don’t understand why the Royals haven’t jumped into the talks seriously yet. Royals GM Dayton Moore knows these guys and they have one of the top prospect-laden teams in the majors. If anyone can afford to throw in a few good prospects and could match up, it’s the Royals.

But back to my original point, it makes all the sense in the world for the Braves to keep Jurrjens and Prado on the team until we get to spring training. It’s only six weeks away! Teams are now in the stage where they want to see how their teams mesh, what’s missing, etc., during spring training before they want to pursue anyone who will take a pretty penny out of their farm. Players like Matt Garza could be traded before then because he’s a proven pitcher, and he had a decent year last year, as well. Players like Prado and Jurrjens are usually held until spring training. If they both come out playing well and a team has a need (injury), then the Braves will be able to pull more from that team when the time comes.

Speaking of having another Jones in our lineup … remember the days of back-to-back Joneses?

Andruw Jones re-signed with the Yankees. If you’re an avid Braves fan, he still holds a place in your heart. Terrance Moore, with MLB.com, wrote a nice article (for once) on Andruw. He wrote about how sad it is to see him as a fourth outfielder now. He has impressive numbers already (had them when he left the Braves), but he’s only 34. Players at that age are usually having their best years. But, personally, I feel he just wants to win at this point. He could get a starting gig with the Royals or other teams I’m sure, but he wouldn’t win. He’s in decent shape and still hits the ball a ton. He’ll never hit over .270 on the year as a full-time player but I bet he could hit 30 plus homers easy.

Jamie founded Through The Fence Baseball and is the President & CEO of Through The Fence Sports Corp. He also covers the Atlanta Braves with his column, Braves' March. In addition, Jamie also covers fantasy baseball and baseball rumors. Any questions, email him at throughthefencebaseball@gmail.com